OK so I suck. No shout out last time. Love to my loyal reviewers Cyberbutterfly and XxCheshireGrinxX. Don't be afraid to leave me comments. I try to grow from each. =) Enjoy.
Maintaining control wouldn't be a problem. CLU had been running the grid since the beginning and programs saw him as an authority; the transition would be seamless. ZOE had been unofficially controlling the guard, working to quietly push TRON's authority to the sidelines. He'd been unsuspecting thus far and Flynn… CLU felt a pang of anger. Flynn: his creator, his father, and his brother. He had forced him to do this. He'd forced CLU to choose. The Grid or The User.
The doors opened and the music from End of Line numbed CLU's thoughts. He reluctantly smiled, entering the club. The pulse of the room was contagious and CLU found himself striding across the floor in rhythm with the beat, the low bass pounding through his circuits. Castor and Pollux had made extra care to fill the place, ensuring the party would be the center of the grid. CLU hadn't wanted to attend but he needed to pretend all was well, operating like always. He descended the stairs and flexed his hands at his sides. This night was a celebration for the ISO's, the target of CLU's hatred. Several of the very programs were scattered around the room, gaining attention from those around them. They were the center of awe and curiosity, not disgust and distrust. CLU swallowed, suppressing his fury deep inside. He needed to contain himself tonight; the plan demanded it.
He spotted Flynn, standing on a newly raised platform on the side of the main chamber, sitting comfortably beside TRON and Pollux. Castor was reclined next to his brother, stroking the arm of a female program beside him. CLU felt a wave of emotion when he realized it was ZOE. Her hair was knotted into a thick bun on the top of her head and her makeup was dark and angular. It accented the whites of her eyes in such a way… CLU felt his breath still. She was spectacular. His hands tingled as he looked up at her.
The effect she had on him was just as powerful as the first time he'd met her. Now, after cycles of passion and familiarity, she still rendered him speechless. She alone made him forget his programming, the betrayal he carried with him, and the frustration of the difficult task ahead. CLU wanted to take her away and drown in her. He'd never imagined the extent that his feelings would progress. ZOE had drawn him in with her power, control, and strength, but she'd bewitched him with something else…
Her eyes found his and the two stared. She didn't relax her very statuesque expression, but her eyes sparkled. CLU knew she was pleased to see him and he reciprocated with a small twitch at the corners of his mouth. He marched slowly up the steps and was met by a bubbling Castor.
"Master CLU." He breathed, oozing with lusty bass. CLU extended a fake smile and passed him, walking towards Kevin. His user smiled up at him, scooting to the side to offer a seat to the approaching program. CLU felt a pang of sadness. His user, so kind and generous. Why did you force this? He wanted to scream at him, shake him by the shoulders. Instead he sat gently, accepting his company. TRON didn't react, ignoring the fact that CLU had sat between Kevin and himself.
"Glad you could make it." Kevin joked, tapping CLU's back with an open hand. He'd been so distracted with the ISO's, he didn't understand why CLU hadn't leapt at the opportunity to rejoice at their arrival. More delays. CLU had thought when Kevin told him of the celebration. He forced a chuckle.
"Of course." He answered, reclining slightly against the back of the long couch. Pollux leaned forwards.
"I took the liberty of styling our elegant fighter, here." He smiled, motioning towards ZOE. "I had to have Flynn to cajole her." He added, his eyes glancing lovingly at Kevin. CLU chuckled again, sincerely amused at the idea. ZOE took very few orders besides those he gave her. Even TRON held no authority over her now. CLU glanced at her, taking another look at her face. That explains it. He thought to himself, grinning at her striking features.
"She looks incredible." He purred, keeping his eyes locked on hers. She didn't overtly respond as Castor reclaimed his seat next at her side. He noticed CLU's gaze and he ran a finger down her arm.
"Pity you don't look this way everyday, my dear." He said, his comment bringing a low hum to CLU's hears. Castor was as jealous as Jarvis, only he chose to insult her with a smile. ZOE's eyes darkened at the remark and Castor withdrew his hand, grinning wider at her reaction. CLU opened his mouth to rebuke him.
"Not everything lies at the surface." TRON spoke suddenly; his tone was firm but calm. CLU turned, surprise evident on his face. They shared a glance and CLU nodded, silently commending his words. Kevin snorted.
"Tell me about it." He laughed. "This whole place is proof of that." CLU wanted to roll his eyes. As always Kevin was on a completely different plane, ignoring what lie right in his face. TRON chuckled and reclined, accepting a drink from a tray that lowered in front of him. CLU accepted one as well and took a large sip. The sooner this was over the better.
Programs danced in front of them in a sea of bodies, swaying gracefully. Pollux and Kevin carried a conversation, TRON joining in a couple times from CLU's side. ZOE's eyes never left him and he felt it, wishing he could sit next to her. They hadn't been alone for a while, CLU's tasks keeping them busy and tightly wound. Tonight marked the point of no return. When the morning cycle began, their plan would execute and they wouldn't be able to stop it.
CLU turned his gaze to Kevin and his stomach hurt. He wished his creator could suddenly discover his flawed logic and reverse his decisions. CLU knew this was unlikely but he wanted it with every line of his code. For tonight, he allowed himself to silently grieve and foolishly hope.
Jarvis pushed through the crowd and appeared on the steps in front of Kevin, casting a quick glance at this master. Speaking of wishing. CLU thought, growing tired of constant attention Jarvis wanted of him. The program bowed slightly to the user and Kevin stood, motioning for him to rise.
"You ready?" He asked, clapping Jarvis on the back. The program beamed, elated at the kind words. Even though it wasn't CLU, it was his likeness and that pleased him endlessly. He nodded briskly and Kevin turned him, facing Jarvis out towards the room of programs.
Jarvis took a deep breath then projected his amplified voice throughout the club.
"Greetings Programs." He began. The music faded and faces turned to watch, the room quickly becoming still. "Tonight we celebrate a gift. A precious victory." Smiles broke out across the room and cheers sprung from a few mouths. "Our creator has delivered us a miracle." ISO's beamed from around the room, some flushing at the title of "miracle". CLU fought his reaction of displeasure. Flynn hadn't created them; he didn't even understand them. They were a mutation, an imperfection.
"We celebrate the new race among us. The ISO's." More cheers filled the room and programs embraced the newcomers that the scattered the club. "We celebrate the end of suffering." The crowd grew louder in encouragement. "The end of destruction." CLU ground his teeth, looking away from Jarvis to find ZOE. Her gaze calmed him, reminding him of their plan. Kevin would not ruin the system, they'd ensured that. "But not just for our world." Jarvis lowered his voice, grinning at this revelation. "For the world of THE USERS!" Kevin's face was glowing as he looked out over the club; the programs surrounding the platform were clapping and cheering.
"WE WILL END THEIR PAIN!" Jarvis started a crescendo, his voice booming in CLU's ears.
"WE WILL SAVE THEIR WORLD!" He reached the climax, the thundering applause echoing around him. CLU writhed internally. Kevin had written a fantastic speech but he'd lied to everyone. He was taking from them. He would use and drain them of all their strength and identity. Kevin Flynn would to destroy the grid.
The music resumed and Jarvis shouted over it.
"CELEBRATE OUR CREATOR! CELEBRATE OUR FUTURE!" Pollux stood and joined Kevin, laughing happily at the reaction of the crowd. Castor bounced his crossed leg, gazing at CLU with curiosity. CLU ignored him and rose, followed by TRON. The programs below cheered as their three leaders stood in unison above them.
The party eventually fell back into its original rhythm, everyone dancing and drinking. The music blared and surged, creating a scene of chaos and drunken happiness. Kevin had long disappeared into the crowd, Pollux in tow. Castor was beside ZOE while a female program sat in his lap. He stroked her hair and face but kept flashing heated glances at CLU. TRON reclined beside CLU, both authorities on the grid trying to outdo the other by remaining calm and still. Guards flanked ZOE and she suddenly rose, crossing the platform to CLU's side. She didn't need to speak; CLU knew what she'd heard from her eyes. He stood and nodded to TRON.
"TRON." He said curtly. The program responded with another nod.
"CLU." Then they parted, ZOE following CLU as he parted through the crowd of programs.
It had begun.
His skin buzzed when the doors shut on the elevator. ZOE exhaled.
"Preparations have been made and orders have been given." She said robotically. His nerves were on fire, the anxiety of this deadly move weighing on him. He'd secretly dispatched orders, through ZOE, to the black guard. When the new cycle began, Kevin Flynn would be declared a tyrant and the coup would begin. He couldn't contain himself. CLU's breathing became hurried, hissing out of his nose. He turned to ZOE and saw her eyes were searching him, reading him. He straightened, reminding himself of Kevin's speech. All that stood between the destruction of the grid and its survival was CLU. His face tightened. He forced himself to remember the betrayal, the hatred, and the anger. When they faced TRON and Kevin in the morning, he would be ready.
Love you all, so love me back! ;) You know what I mean.